Analysis: Are the Steve Jobs Cancer Fears Warranted?

The National Enquirer says Steve Jobs is seeking treatment for cancer. But what do we really know?

A story broke late yesterday about Steve Jobs being seen attending the Stanford Cancer Center in Palo Alto, California, the same center where actor Patrick Swayze sought treatment before his death. The source: The National Enquirer.

Given the source, the claim is questionable, though the Enquirer has been right about matters surrounding secretive public figures before (as former presidential candidate John Edwards can attest). Radar Online says it has confirmed the story, but it didn't say how.

Given that we know Jobs is currently on medical leave from Apple, and that he's had cancer before, the report that Jobs may be seeking treatment at a cancer center isn't surprising. The Enquirer even has photos of what it says is Jobs, supposedly looking extremely thin. A few sites have posted some of the photos, though it's hard to tell how thin the person is, or if he's just wearing baggy clothing.

The Enquirer report takes some big leaps, however, on the scant evidence. Enlisting two doctors, who have never even met Jobs, to make a diagnosis based on what's in the photos, the Enquirer says Jobs may have lost large portion of his muscle mass and probably has just "weeks to live."

While that may be true, a diagnosis based on a few photos taken at a distance… calling it questionable would be generous.

Combine the news of the alleged sighting at the clinic with the news that President Obama is meeting with Jobs today in San Francisco: Is it possible that Jobs could be sick and meeting with the president? Sure. But with just weeks to live? It's looking less likely.

In the end, it's almost certain that Jobs is seeking medical treatment, and that treatment being related to cancer is a strong possibility, since he's fought the disease before. The rest is complete guesswork.